Silversea expedition cruises will visit 500 destinations in 2016

Silversea's three expedition ships, Silver Explorer, Silver Discoverer, and Silver Galapagos, will collectively explore more than 500 destinations on 95 expedition cruises. Included among 88 inaugural calls are Gough Island, St. Helena; Lizard Island, Australia; Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles; Ko Phra Thong, Thailand; and South Cinque Island, Andaman Archipelago.

Silver Explorer's schedule retains its expedition cruises to Antarctica, South and Central America, the British Isles, Northern Canada, Greenland, and Arctic Norway. New itineraries include a 12-day expedition to the White Sea sailing roundtrip from Tromso on 11 June, and an 18-day journey focused on Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, sailing roundtrip from Kangerlussuaq on 22 August.

Silver Discoverer's six expedition cruises along Australia's Kimberley Coast from March to May highlight an exotic programme that encompasses Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Russian Far East, and remote Alaska. On the schedule is a new 15-day, Phuket-to-Male sailing departing 2 December to explore Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Plus, on the 17 December, the ship departs Male on a new 17-day expedition to the Seychelles, Maldives, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Highlighting this voyage is an inaugural visit to Aldabra, an amazing raised coral atoll that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Silver Galapagos will again operate year-round voyages exploring the pristine and biologically diverse islands of the Galápagos.

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Canadian Arctic Adventures with The Cruise People.

Canadian Arctic adventures in the northern Candadian islands on board the 118-passenger Sea Adventurer are one of  the adventure options on offer from The Cruise People.

They represent well-known expedition and adventure companies offering voyages to the Antarctic, South Georgia and the Falklands, the North Pole, Alaska, Spitsbergen, Iceland, Greenland, the Northwest Passage and Hudson Bay, the Amazon, the Galapagos, the South Pacific and many other destinations polar and tropical. 

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Quark Expeditions Announces 2013 Arctic Voyages

Thirteeen departures include new in-depth Greenland Expedition

with the addition of a Luxury Vessel to Arctic Fleet

Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventure, is pleased to announce the company’s Arctic 2013 season, featuring icebreaker adventures to the North Pole and luxury ship expeditions to Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland.

Many of the Arctic regions most sought after destinations are coming back for the 2013 season. Two North Pole voyages departing June 19 and June 30, as well as the “Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen” trip named as one of “50 Tours of a Lifetime” in 2011 are highlights of the season.

New Expedition Added

New to the Arctic 2013 season is the “Greenland Explorer: Valleys and Fjords” expedition, which follows the dramatic coast of the world’s largest island, Greenland. Passengers will get to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Illusiat Ice Fjord, one of the largest and fastest moving glaciers. It travels approximately 100 feet per day while dropping huge icebergs into its narrow coastal inlets. Explorers will also encounter indigenous Greenlandic communities as well as the rich animal life surrounding this beautiful country, including many varieties of seals, whales, dolphins, polar bears and sea birds. The journey takes passengers to two of the world’s most northern capitals, beginning in Ottawa and ending in Reykjavik –the reverse itinerary also available. Prices start from £4,120 for 14 and 15 day itineraries for departures in August 2013.

Ships

For the first time in 2013, Arctic passengers will be able to travel aboard Quark’s luxury all-suites adventure ship, the Sea Spirit, on any of the Spitsbergen, Greenland or Iceland itineraries. Sea Spirit, previously used exclusively in Quark’s Antarctic season, boasts larger “suite-sized” cabins, in addition to private facilities and exterior views in every cabin.

No Arctic season would be complete without the 50 Years of Victory, a Russian scientific ship that will be used to chart the path to 90°N, making its way through the ice to the North Pole. Victory is the most powerful icebreaker on Earth and has her own helicopter onboard to help travelers view the northernmost part of the world from every majestic angle. Quark is one of only two operators in the world who take travelers to the North Pole, and has been doing it for 22 years. It’s a once-in-a-life-time journey with helicopter flights above the Arctic Ocean included and optional aerial sightseeing by hot air balloon is on offer.

Book Early & Save Quark Expeditions is giving those who book by 30 June 2012 a free flight, hotel night accommodation and transfers from Helsinki to Murmansk (save £1,070) on one of two North Pole voyages in 2013. Prices start from: 14 days (13 nights), from £14,190 for twin occupancy with one night in Helsinki on B&B, transfers, group helicopter trips, three meals a day, shore landings and on-board lectures. For further information please visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call (001) 203 803 2666

Quark Expeditions is also offering two family-friendly departures (8 and 9 days) to Spitsbergen leaving Longyearben on 6 June and 28 July 2013. The “Introduction to Spitsbergen: Polar Bear Safari” voyages will offer special itineraries for those travelling with children aged 12-17.

In addition, The Sea Spirit offers a 20%* discount on all 11 departures of the six Arctic 2013 itineraries when passengers book by 30 June 2012. Prices start from: 11 days (10 nights), from £2,530 for triple occupancy (save £1,584) and includes shore landings, hiking and snow-shoeing and on-board lectures. Flights are additional and available from London Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Manchester with Ryanair, Norwegian, British Airways, SAS and bmi to Oslo then onto Longyearbyen with SAS. For further information please visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call (001) 203 803 2666

This is also the first time that Quark is offering a lowest price guarantee** – no other promotion this season will provide as much savings on a trip to the Arctic.

Introduction to Spitsbergen: Polar Bear Safari – 8 & 9 days from £2,530

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic – 11 days from £3,170
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: Big Island, Big Adventure – 13 days from £4,120

Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen – 14 days from £4,430

Greenland Explorer: Valleys and Fjords – 14 and 15 days from £4,120

East Greenland: Northern Lights – 14 days from £4,120

North Pole – 14 days from £14,190

For further information please visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call (001) 203 803 2666

*20% discount not applicable on North Pole voyages. **Some conditions apply.

Kakyaking at Both Ends of the Planet and Between with Aurora

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh any adventurer’s soul. From the icy waters of Antarctica and the European Arctic, to the remote, forgotten shores of Russia, and the tropical fjords of Papua New Guinea, Aurora Expeditions’ kayaking journeys bring you up close to a maze of wildlife and nature.

Exploring the fascinating, wildlife-rich waters of our world’s most untouched continent – Antarctica - is an experience hard to beat. We glide silently past ice floes topped with sleeping seals and pondering penguins. Seabirds soar above us, while curious leopard seals and agile Adele penguins play around our small crafts as we paddle the pristine bays and hidden channels. Cracking ice falls from glaciers and small waves rock our kayaks gently as we sit patiently to witness a whale blow.

Paddling the subantarctic islands of South Georgia is a rare privilege and a wildlife lover’s dream. Kayak amongst thousands of breeding king penguins, and lively fur seals. We journey deep into glacial bays as black-browed and wandering albatross, prions, terns and petrels soar overhead, and elephant seals loll on beaches watched over by multitudes of macaroni and rock hopper penguins.

The icy waters of Greenland and Spitsbergen are a maze of massive sculpted icebergs, ice-choked fjords and sheltered bays. As we paddle the pack ice we keep watch for polar bears, walrus, whales and narwhale. We float beneath souring sea stacks filled with nesting seabirds, and on land we spot wildlife such as musk oxen, reindeer and Arctic fox.

From gazing at sea-life through crystal-clear waters, to paddling among uninhabited tropical islands, sea kayaking around Papua New Guinea is an unparalleled experience. Discover hidden waterways and the quiet of this tropical paradise. We come face-to-face and paddle with locals who live daily on the water with paddle in hand.

All Aurora Expeditions kayaking expeditions are led by experienced guides. Paddling in small groups of no more than 12 provides us with the opportunity to gain intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations. Kayaking prices are not included in the voyage price and start from US$850 in Antarctica, AU$995 in the European Arctic, US$995 in Russia and AU$995 in Papua New Guinea.

Prices include use of kayaks and paddles, dry suites and guide. Intermediate experience is required. Advice on gaining kayaking experience can be provided for you to practice your techniques prior to your voyage.

For more information or to order a brochure visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au, email info@auroraexpeditions.com.au

Fancy a coffee with an Inuit in their home?

Fancy a coffee with an Inuit in their home? Or how about a game of football with the locals? Or the chance to meet local school children? Getting closer to the traditions and culture of the people who live in Greenland is a core focus on a Hurtigruten voyage to Greenland. Greenlanders refer to their island as ‘Kalaallit Nunaat’- the land of the people and in 2012, Hurtigruten will bring its guest closer to the both locals and the townships for the ultimate cultural experience. In turn, it also aims to give something back by offering the Inuits contact with the wider world, which for some is otherwise unobtainable.

Hurtigruten voyages include visits to Greenland’s townships offering the rare opportunity to gain a first hand insight into the everyday life of the Inuits. Inuit houses are open for Hurtigruten guests and they are invited by local families to partake in a traditional ‘kaffemik’, the Greenland version of a cup of coffee and learn more about their way of life. In Uummannaq, there is a welcome by local school children and the chance for them to mingle with guests. When the ship docks in the Ittileq township guests, crew and locals join together for a traditional football match that sees sport bringing together different cultures.

Hurtigruten offer a selection of voyages to Greenland during the summer months. For example:

The Heart of Greenland – from £4117pp – This nine-day expedition along Greenland’s west coast visits small settlements that are only accessible by boat. Available on 10, 17, 24 June and 1 July 2012, the voyage costs from £4117 per person and includes seven night’s full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers, landings and lectures by expedition team. Flights from UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Based on two sharing. Price valid if booked by 31 December 2011.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

FROM THE WORLD’S LARGEST YET LEAST VISITED NATIONAL PARK TO A TRANSATLANTIC CROSSING

Hurtigruten lines up new voyages for 2012/13

Fancy exploring the rarely visited North East Greenland National Park, the largest in the world and yet the least visited with approximately 500 visitors each year? Or how about exploring Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland? Or why not experience an Equator Baptism by King Neptune on a cross-hemispheric journey from the Canary Islands to Buenos Aires? All this and much more is possible with Hurtigruten whose latest dedicated programme of ‘Explorer’ voyages for 2012/13 in Spitsbergen, Greenland, Antarctica and Europe features new itineraries, experiences and the chance to visit some of the most remote places in the world.

New itineraries introduced, all on board MS Fram, include:

National Park Expedition- This voyage takes in three Arctic islands - Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. Seven days are spent within the North East Greenland National Park, which is the largest in the world and the least visited with approximately 500 visitors each year. It is one of the most isolated places on earth and hikes, small boat trips, lectures and briefings can all be enjoyed. A day is spent at Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland and the trappers living here are the only ones allowed to hunt within the National Park. The 14 day voyage from Spitsbergen to Greenland and then onto Iceland departs on 6 September 2012 in the Arctic autumn and before the winter closes in and makes this corner of the planet uninhabitable. Prices are from £4535pp full board, cruise only.

Trans-Atlantic Crossing – This is a completely different, cross-hemispheric offering from Hurtigruten and the first time it has been offered travelling south. This is the main leg of MS Fram’s winter repositioning journey from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands to Buenos Aires. With the famous Equator Baptism by King Neptune and his wife for those crossing the Equator for the first time and BBQ’s on deck this voyage is all about enjoying life on the ocean wave in a relaxed atmosphere with the ships crew. The19 day voyage departs on 14 October 2012 and is priced from £1292 pp full board, cruise only. Just £68 per day.

Autumn Adventure – This new eight-day North Atlantic Islands voyage begins in Reykjavik, Iceland and sets off across the North Sea toward Torshavn on one of the 18 Faroe Islands and one of the smallest capitals in the world. Next stop is Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, by far the northernmost town in Scotland and Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands with a population of just 8,500. The voyage also calls at Leith/Edinburgh before crossing the North Sea to Bergen. Departing on 19 September 2012 costs from £872pp full board, cruise only.

Hurtigruten has also doubled the number of departures on its most popular Antarctica voyage, ‘The Classic Expedition’. For 2012/13 there are now six departures. New International Maritime Authority (IMA) fuel rules ban the use of heavy fuel oils from use and carriage from 1 August 2011. MS Fram uses Marine Gas Oil (MGO) rather than the heavy fuel oils used by some other ships. A 10 day Classic Expedition costs from £3443pp including flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and back, full board.

For more information call Hurtigruten on 020 8846 2666 or http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/

Charity Auction on The Polar Seas

Guests on board Hurtigruten voyages in Spitsbergen, Greenland and Antarctica this season will be offered the opportunity to raise money in support of the areas of the Arctic and Antarctic they have just sailed through. At the end of every expedition voyage a charity auction will now takes place with all funds raised being donated to local preservation organisations.

Trialed last year, these auctions have now become a permanent fixture on MS Fram expedition voyages. The usual beneficiaries are institutions that look after the preservation and further development of areas visited such as the Antarctica South Georgia Heritage Trust, Birdlife International or the Ocean Foundation. However, the auctions can also help local people such as Greenland’s children who also receive support from the money raised.

“We want to give something back to the regions we have visited.” Said Expedition Team Leader Karin Strand. “Our guests respond very positively to the auctions. They too recognise the privilege of being able to travel to these remote areas and they like to say thank you by giving something back.”

Items coming under the hammer include the sea chart for the voyage in question, expedition team jackets and donated items from the research stations and localities visited during the voyage. On one voyage alone last year, the operator raised 6000 euro.

For more information visit Hurtigruten http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or The Cruise Line.